Brigadier-General Indrani Arends’ journey from humble beginnings to military leadership

In honour of Women’s Month, Brigadier-General Indrani Arends shared her remarkable journey from a clothing factory to becoming the first Indian woman to enlist in the South African Army and her climb up the ranks. 

WHILE most women in her family opted to get married after they completed their schooling, Brigadier-General Indrani Arends chased her dreams.

This included becoming the first Indian woman to enlist in the South African Army. 

Arends, 57, of Pretoria, said her journey had not been an easy one. 

“There were many challenges along the way, especially being an Indian woman. But I remained determined and always believed in myself.” 

Childhood

Arends lived with her parents, maternal aunt and three siblings in Parlock, Durban, before they later moved to Phoenix. 

Her parents were machinists in a clothing factory. 

“Life was tough as there was only enough money for the basic necessities such as rent and food.”

Career

After matriculating at Westham Secondary School in Phoenix, she decided to get a job. 

“I started working at a clothing factory where I cut off the threads from garments. However, my childhood dream was to become an air hostess as I wanted to do something different and exciting. At the time, the women in the family got married just after finishing school, but I wanted to work to help my parents and be independent. 

“While working, my career dream changed. I wanted to be a policewoman. I believed I could make a difference in society and I wanted a job where I could earn at least R400 a month. At the time, my parents' salaries combined amounted to less than R200. I applied to the police service, but was not accepted due to my height. I was too short.” 

After applying for various jobs, she received a letter from the South African Navy, an arm of the then-South African Defence Force in 1988. 

“The letter stated that I had been preliminary accepted and needed to attend an interview. After the interview, I was accepted to do the basic training at the SAS Jalsena in Durban in April 1988, which I successfully completed. I was among the second batch of eight Indian women enlisted in the South African Navy. 

“However, between 1991 and 1992, there were the first retrenchments in the military, specifically in the navy. I remember my supervisor called me into her office and said that my name was on the retrenchment list. However, she informed me that she would recommend me for an interview with the South African Army for a possible inter-arm service transfer. I also had the option to join the South African Air Force or the South African Police Service.

“In 1992, I decided to take the inter-arm service transfer  from the navy to the army, making history as the first Indian female to join. Later that year, my supervisor called me to his office. The finance career manager was with him. It was a Friday afternoon. He asked me if I would consider applying for officer's selection. 

"I indicated that I was thinking about it. His response was, ‘Monday morning at 08:00, I want your statement requesting to apply for officer's selection on my table’. I said 'yes sir' and left his office. My statement was on his table on Monday morning. I went for the selection process and succeeded. I thereafter went to the officer's formative training course and successfully passed,” she said. 

Arends was the first Indian officer, first non-white, and female to win the Leadership Trophy in the officer’s formative training in 1992.

 In 2016, she was appointed as the first Indian brigadier-general in the army.

After serving in various positions, in February this year Arends was appointed as the Director of Funds and Institutions Directorate in the Logistics Division. 

“My current position entails ensuring governance on prescripts/policies in relation to how non-public funds are executed, managed and accounted for.”

Challenges

Arends said over the years she had been faced with many challenges.  

“I have met unkind people, many who were difficult to work with and did not want to help. However, I stayed true to myself through it all. I focused on my work, did my best and made sure no one could ever say I was lazy or did not do my job. No matter how hard things got, I believed in keeping my head up.”

Success

Over the years, she has been involved in successful projects. 

“I have achieved much success throughout my career. However, there are a few that stand out such as being involved in the Pilot Project Central Advance System. The Department of Defence planned to implement a new electronic system called ‘Central Advance System’, which was to replace the manual system of dispensing money for subsistence and travel expenses and cash purchases. 

"The Natal Command where I worked as a finance officer in the cash office was identified as the command with its units to spearhead the project. There were only two of us doing this, Mr Cunningham who did the bookkeeping, while I processed the actual transactions. 

“I was also involved in researching and developing a new service dress for males and females for the army. Lastly, I would say the best and most challenging period of my career was during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"I served as the acting chief director of force structure and was pushed beyond my limits. We worked seven days a week and long hours. However, the greatest success, honour and privilege was being able to serve my country. I serve with pride and dignity. However, throughout all of my achievements I have remained humble,” she said. 

Memorable moments

Arends said her most memorable moment was being awarded the best practical and best overall student after attending a logistics course in 1997. 

“I attended a logistic course called ‘Model 7’ at the Department of Defence Logistic School in Cape Town. It was a promotion course from a captain to major. 

"At the time the finance corps demilitarised and I did not want to leave, since I worked hard to get to where I was, so I changed my corps to logistics. I wanted to join the infantry, but they were not taking females. I am also a more practical person. Theory is not my strong suit. 

“I attended the course with no experience and had to work hard. There were also people on the course who had many years of experience. During the closing function and certificate ceremony, to my amazement when the speaker announced the winner for the Best Practical Student, my name was called out. 

"I thought ‘no this can't be true’ and did not go to the front. He called my name again and I still did not move. By then I noticed people were looking in my direction. Some even said 'they are calling you', then I went to the front to receive the trophy. 

“After the various category winners were announced, it was time for the Best Overall Student. To my sheer amazement, my name was called again. I looked at the trophy I just received, trying to convince myself it was real. The people around me told me my name was called and that I must go to the front. I said 'no it's not me, they are making a mistake'. 

"Then someone near me took the trophy from my hands and pushed me towards the podium. The people around, especially from the junior courses, were shouting with excitement,” she said. 

Inspiration

Arends added she was inspired by her parents, and herself. 

“They were both hard working and dedicated. I also use myself as my own inspiration. I look at my life, from where I was to what I have achieved as someone who has no tertiary qualification and had very little support from colleagues.” 

Family

She added that in 1992 she met her husband, Colonel Lezil Arends, who serves in the South African Army. They were married on December 6,1996. 

Special message this Women’s Month

Arends said it was important to “follow your dreams and believe in yourself”. 

“Hard work pays-off and if you can dream it, you can achieve it. However, success also comes with sacrifice and compromise. Always stay true to your values and beliefs, and remain humble. You also don't need to ‘step on toes’ or ‘backstab’ anyone to get what you want. Be kind to everyone and yourself.” 

In her spare time, Arends enjoys reading, gardening, exercising and watching series such as true stories, documentaries and thrillers. 

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